The Importance of Speaking

This post started out as something completely different, but as I wrote that one I could feel it becoming bigger and bigger as I explained the background and, frankly, no one wants to read a huge blog post. So consider this a pre-cursor to the story I’ll share very soon.

It also seems relevant because I had a couple of conversations with fellow bloggers at the Bloggers Bash (yes, we’re still banging on about that…) about having to get up in front of groups of people and say a few words – or even more than a few.

When you consider how solitary the act of writing can be, standing up and speaking to an audience seems quite contrary, not to mention frightening. Studies into people’s fears have established, almost without exception, the number one fear is that of public speaking. Strangely, death usually comes in around number four or five, which suggests we’d rather die than give a speech.

The reality, though, is that there will be times when we have to face that fear and death seems an unreasonable alternative. It could be at a wedding, a business meeting, or a book promotion. The most important speech I gave was at my dad’s funeral (I’m already planning the one for my mum’s, but don’t tell her, will you?).

I know a lot of people reading this post will be writers, so I think it’s a useful thing to remember that a key aspect of writing is communicating, which is clearly important to us otherwise we wouldn’t do it. When you’re giving a speech, all you’re doing then is communicating as well – it’s just a slightly different format. Oh, and you’re using words, so that’s another similarity.

To be fair, I would never say to anyone that public speaking is a wholly enjoyable experience. It’s a bit like distance running really. It offers little in the way of pleasure, but the sense of achievement at the end is immense.

More importantly, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. The nerves don’t disappear (at least, not in my experience), but you learn to handle them better.

There have been times in the past when I’ve had to do talks and presentations with my day job, though these have been few and far between in recent years. But, because it’s a relatively rare event now, I feel the need to keep my hand in so it’s not such a shock to the system when the situation arises. For that reason, several years ago I joined Sheffield Speakers Club, which is part of a network of clubs operating around the country.

I mention Speakers Clubs because it’s something I’d recommend to anyone. You never know when the skills will be called on – hell, we were all caught on the hop by Hugh at the Bloggers Bash.

Giving talks and speeches isn’t easy, especially if you haven’t done it before, or you’ve got limited experience. But there will be times when it’s useful, and if you are a published writer, there will be times when you have to come out from behind the screen and say a few words, even if it’s only briefly.

So don’t wait until you’re forced to do it. Find a local Speakers Club and go along. It’s a really helpful, supportive environment in which to learn and practice.

Whilst I don’t expect many readers will be based locally to it, here’s a link to the Sheffield Speakers Club website. This particular page includes videos of members explaining why they joined (mine’s at the bottom), but there are other pages to view, including a link to the national website so you can find one local to you.

The existence of these clubs is one of the best kept secrets in the country, so if I’ve achieved nothing else here, at least you’re now aware the option is there for you.

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16 Responses

Great post Graeme very inspiring for people like me to step out of our comfort zones and speak in public. Still to do engage in this frightening activity, a gentle nudge followed by a big kick up the backside goes a long way.. It’s now made it to my September list of things to do. That’s a start….

Thanks for your comment, Marje. I know you and I talked about this at Bloggers Bash (well, maybe it was me talking and you listening…).

The great thing about Speakers Club is that it’s a very supportive and non-judgemental environment in which you can develop your skills. If you have time, watch Tony’s video on the link I sent. I was there when he got up to speak for the first time and I really thought we might have to call the paramedics! The difference now is staggering – he’s about to start his term of office as club president.

Let me know how you get on, whatever route you choose. And keep an eye out for my next post, which will show how relevant the experience can be.

You probably saw that I was shaking with nerves when giving my speech at the Bloggers Bash. It was probably revenge for putting you all under the spotlight when I did the video.

Strangely enough for me, I always wanted to be on stage. However, when it comes to speaking in front of large groups of people I start getting the shakes because of the nerves. I also applied for jobs as a trainer but never got them. I guess it was the nerves that paid to that?

Interesting post and comments Graeme. I look forward to reading the next one.

The nerves don’t go away. One of the reasons I rehearse in the bathroom! You just learn to deal with them better. Also, if you join a speakers club or something similar you get guidance on how to improve and those improvements give you more confidence (which naturally helps with the nerves).
To be fair, although you may have felt nervous at BB, that didn’t come across especially, and that’s another thing to remember: your perception of yourself isn’t necessarily what others see.